2002 Honda S-MX vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Honda S-MX would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (89 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda S-MX weights approximately 16 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Honda S-MX will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda S-MX | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S-MX | Golf |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2578 mm |
